Arts > Theatre

The Girl On The Train

Norwich Theatre Royal

05/02/25

Paula Hawkins' psychological thriller that deals with coercive and abusive relationships, as well as obsessive, and alcoholism-related, behaviour, has now sold over 23 million copies since it was first published in 2015. The cinema version saw British actor Emily Blunt take on the tragic role of listless divorcee Rachel Watson, but with the setting moved from London to New York City. The stage adaptation, written by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel, first visited Norwich back in 2019, when Samantha Womack took on the role of Rachel. A new touring production returns this week, and judging by the packed house on opening night at Norwich Theatre Royal, the public’s appetite for The Girl On The Train remains as strong as ever.

For the first leg of this 2025 tour it is Giovanna Fletcher who is carrying the torch as the barely functioning Rachel, whilst the ghost of murdered Megan is played, largely in flashback, by a wraithlike Natalie Dunn. Together with Rachel's former husband Tom (Jason Merrells), his new partner Anna (Zena Carswell), and Megan's partner Scott (Samuel Collins), it is down to Paul McEwan as investigating police officer D.I.Gaskill to identify Megan’s killer. Even Rachel’s therapist Kamal Abdic (played by Daniel Burke) is drawn into the search for clues.

Whilst I was somewhat disappointed by the movie version, I soon became captivated by this stark and compelling stage version. The dark spaces of Adam Wiltshire’s set design are augmented by some dramatic lighting effects from Jack Knowles, loud and striking soundscapes from Elizabeth Purnell, and by shadowy figures that populate the train and London crowd scenes. Props may be few and far between, but there is a palpable tension, and an illusion of reality, created on stage that helps hold the audience’s attention from start to finish.

Although the pacing and the energy of the performances may perhaps waver in places, the overall momentum is maintained throughout both acts. There is even time to throw in a few local references to a hotel in Holkham. Giovanna Fletcher, in particular, is impressive in what is, after all, her first starring stage role. Paul McEwan hits the mark just right as the investigating officer - his skilfully balanced performance blends investigative detachment, sympathy and even despair, and yet manages to introduce some moments of levity into what is otherwise a distinctly tragic narrative. The rest of the cast keep us constantly on our toes as we listen carefully for any throwaway clues as to the murderer’s identity.

The result is a spine-tingling drama that holds its surprise very close to its chest until the final scene (for anyone unfamiliar with the plot). You may have read the novel, you may also have seen the film, but diehard fans of The Girl On The Train will still relish the theatrical experience that this new stage adaptation delivers. As will any latecomers, or delayed passengers, to the party.